The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1887-08-20

NOACC case Vi MIS-. OIdCc DTOlUeI'
ton Deems, daughter of wealthy
banker, against her husband, Frank
Deems, a son Of Rev. DR.. Deems
of the Church of the Strangers, has
caused the liveliest surprise i'm all
grades of society. Both husband
and wife had been reared in pious
homes, and both are we'll educated,
refined and intelligent. The letters
of Mrs. Deems, which were pro-
duced in court, revealed a woman
of remarkably clear mind and of
considerable force of character.
Both, however, are undoubtedly
opium fiends, and it is this discov-
cry that has SO greatly astonished
every one.
But there is no reason why it
should. The records of the police
courts, the books of private physi-
clans show that the drug habit
the use of morphine, opium and
even cocaine-has spread very
greatly within the last few years.
The fact that its victims are to be
found mainly among the rich and
educated explains why its preva-
lence has not been more widely
known. Nearly every druggist or
physician in the fashionable quar-
ters can tell of many patients who
ere slaves to opium. The former
is perhaps the best authority, for
the confirmed opium eater writes
his own prescription and knows
where he can buy all he wants with
out applying to doctor.
Two months ago another prom
inent case, where both husband and
wife were the victims, attracted
public attention. The Rev. Fran
els Gerry Fairchild, a minister,
Journalist and physician, man Of
good family and of remarkable tai
ent, died in a tenth-rate hotel on
Third avenue, from the effects of
opium. His wife, Josephine Girls
void Fairchild, a daughter of Judge
Griswold, once an influential New
Yorker and. member of the New
York bench, died week previous
to her'husband in the same manner.
Had it not been for Mr.. Fairfield's
brother, a well-to-do lawyer, hus-
band and wife would probably have
been buried in pauper's graves.
During the middle of last month
l had occasion to visit the Jefferson
Market police court. / arrived there
just as the presiding. magistrate,
Justice Murray, left his bench and
walked into his private examination
room. / followed him.
In the room were three persons
besides the court officers. Two of
these were women and both were
dressed in black and heavily yelled.
AS the justice entered both drew
aside their wells. The elder of the
two was lady about so years of
age, with remarkably delicate and
refined features, on which rested a
sad and melancholy expression
She was laboring under great emo
ton and at times could barely re-
strain her tears.
Her companion, who was at least
twenty-five years her junior, re-
sembled her somewhat in appear
ance, but there was an indefinite
something about her that marred
the beauty of her face and at times
made it almost repulsive.
The third person was a man of
middle age, well built and of a seri-
Gus cast of countenance. One pc
culiarity l could not help noticing
He could not keep his gaze fixed
upon anything, and moved about
unessily in his chair, when he saw
that he was being observed.
81 see, Mrs. Francesca" observed
Justice Murray, nodding to the ell
der lady, "that you charge Mrs.
Hale, your daughter, with being
addicted to the use Of morphine
and opium, and with being habit
ually intoxicated"
"Yes," replied the lady, while
tears rolled down her cheeks, 81
am forced to take this step to save
her from utter degradation. She
and her husband" pointing to the
man seated beside her, "have for
years been addicted to the opium
habit. He has several times been
confined in asylums and discharged
as cured, only to sink back again
into his old habits. When they
are together they are worse than
when they are separate. She is now
in a terrible condition, and we de-
sire to place her in private asylum
at Amityville, where she can be
taken care Of"
Up to this time the young woman
had remained in apparent letharg7
and had not betrayed the slightest
emotion, while the mother wept as
she spoke of her affection. Now,
however, as though suddenly real
izing her situation, she jumped
from her chair and shrieked in most
piercing tones.
"It's you, you that has brought
me to this" she cried, pointing to
ha~ hushorJ who shrank awav